System and Method For Replacing a Return Air Filter

ABSTRACT

A system for replacing a filter of return air vent. The system includes a return air vent grill affixed to a surface. The grill is hinged on a first side to the surface allowing the grill to swing to an open position while still attached to the surface. The system also includes a closing mechanism for attaching the grill to a second end opposite the first end of the grill. In addition, a filter is detachably affixed to a tray located on an inner surface of grill. Furthermore, the system includes an extension tool having a length sufficient to contact the closing mechanism by a user located below the grill. The extension tool enables the opening and closing of the closing mechanism. The tray and filter may be slid down to the user by an extendible track. The user may pull the tray and filter down the extended track, replace the filter, slide the filter and tray back to the grill and close the closing mechanism.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This utility application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/560,839 filed Nov. 17, 2011 by Jack R. Kerr, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC). Specifically, and not by way of limitation, the present invention relates to a system and method of easily accessing and replacing filters in a conventional return air vent of a HVAC system.

2. Description of the Related Art

In construction of houses and other buildings, it is quite common for builders to install central air conditioning return air vents located in the ceding or at an upper portion of wails within the home or building. Every home and building that uses forced heated air for heating purposes have these return vents. The return vent, or register, is also known as an air return vent, and a cold air return vent. The return vent returns colder air, via registers and ductwork, to the furnace so that it will run as designed. Return vents also provide proper air circulation throughout the structure. A return vent, will, as well, be installed with central air conditioning systems, though in a somewhat different configuration.

Air return vents are necessary to prevent a buildup of pressure in the structure that may lead to various health problems, as well as preventing mold and mildew, and deterioration of the structure due to moisture buildup. As warm air is forced into a room, it replaces cold air already in the room. This cooler air must be pushed out of the room; otherwise the room becomes uncomfortably over-pressurized. The cooler air is, in turn, forced into the return vent, back to the furnace, reheated, and returned to the cycle.

The size, location, and length of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) registers and ductwork are determined by measurement of air movement at cubic feet per minute (CFM). Whatever the CFM output of the heating or cooling system, the air return vents must be able to provide the same CFM ratio. Additionally, for maximum heating and circulating efficiency, there should be properly-sized return vents in each room where heating registers are located.

Behind each of these vents is typically located a filter which requires periodic changing. However, most homes now have high ceilings (e.g., 9, 10 up to 14 feet). This requires the home owner or installer to use a ladder to change the filter, which can be an onerous and burdensome task, especially considering the task of replacing the filters must be accomplished 2-4 times per year depending on the type of filter being used.

Thus, it would be advantageous to have a system and method for replacing filters from a return vent which does not require the installer to leave the floor. It is an object of the present invention to provide such a system and method.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention is a system for replacing a filter of a return air vent. The system includes a return air vent grill affixed to a surface. The grill is hinged on a first side to the surface allowing the grill to swing to an open position while still attached to the surface. The system also includes a closing mechanism for attaching the grill to a second end opposite the first end of the grill. In addition, a filter is detachably affixed to a tray located on an inner surface of grill. Furthermore, the system includes an extension tool having a length sufficient to contact the closing mechanism by a user located below the grill. The extension tool enables the opening and closing of the closing mechanism. The tray and filter may be slid down to the user by an extendible track. The user may pull the tray and filter down the extended track, replace the filter, slide the filter and tray back to the grill and close the closing mechanism.

In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of replacing a filter of a return air vent. The method begins by opening a return air vent grill affixed to a surface with an extension tool. Next, the filter, which is detachably affixed to a tray located on an inner surface of the grill, is pulled toward a user by an extension tool. The filter is then replaced within the tray. Next, the filter and tray are then pushed back into the inner surface of the grill by the extension tool and the return air vent grill is closed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a return air grill in a system;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the grill of the system in an open position;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the grill with the filter in a lowered position;

FIG. 4 is a front view illustrating a new filter being installed with the tray positioned against the inner side of the grill;

FIG. 5 is a front view of the grill in the dosed position after installation of a new filter; and

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating the steps of replacing the flit according to the teachings of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is an improved system and method of replacing filters for a return air vent of a HVAC system. FIG. 1 is a front view of a return air grill 10 in a system 100. The view is from a perspective of a person looking from the floor up to a ceiling 12 to which the grill 10 is attached. The grill is typically rectangular in shape, although the present invention may be utilized with any shape and size of grill. The grill includes openings 14 aligned in rows to allow the passage of air flow in the HVAC system. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the vent is attached on one end by fixed hinges 16 on a first side 18 of the grill. On an opposite side 20 of the grill is a closing mechanism 22, such as a screw or square screw lock. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the dosing mechanism includes a circular surface with a slot 24 over a bolt or screw mechanism. To access the grill from the ground, a user may utilize an extension tool 30. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the extension tool is of a length sufficient that the user does not have to be located above the floor (e.g., a ladder) and still reach the grill with the extension tool.

The extension tool may have any mechanism which enables the opening of the grill at the closing mechanism. As illustrated, the extension tool 30 includes an interface end 32 for turning the slot 24 to an open position. The extension tool may optionally include a telescopic main body 34. The interface end may include extensions or fingers to interact and turn the slot 24 or other device used in the closing mechanism 22. Additionally, the interface may include a flat blade screwdriver-type attachment.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the grill 10 of the system 100 in an opened position. With the grill in the open position, the grill is swung open to reveal an attic 40. In addition, an air conditioning filter 50 is installed on an inner side 54 of the grill 10 on a tray 56. The extension tool 30 is shown with the interface end 32 contacting an edge of the filter 50. As depicted in FIG. 2, the filter is still within the tray in a retracted position.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the grill 10 with the filter 50 in a lowered position. After the extension tool 30 contacts the filter 50, the filter is pulled downwardly by the interface end 32 pulling the filter downward. As the filter is pulled downward, the tray is extended down along a plurality of filter lowering tracks 60. The tracks may be telescopic and preferably extended a length sufficient for a person to reach the tray and filter in the lowered position. Although tracks are depicted, it should be understood that any mechanism which allows the filter to be lowered to a level that a person located on the ground can access the filter. In another embodiment, the present invention may be cords or other devices which enable a user to reach the filters and still retract the filter back toward the grill. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the tracks are extended downwardly so the tray and filter may be accessed by the user.

FIG. 4 is a front view illustrating a new filter being installed with the tray positioned against the inner side 54 of the grill 10. After lowering the tray and filter to within reach of the user, the filter 50 is replaced with a new filter 50 in the tray 56. The tray is then raised back to the grill using the interface end 32 pushing the tray and filter upward toward the grill. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the tray is slid up against the grill 10.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the grill in the closed position after installation of a new filter. The extension tool 30 may be used to close and lock the grill to the closed position. The interface end 32 may be any device which may be used to interact with the closing mechanism 22 to close the grill. As depicted in FIG. 5, the interface 32 shows an alternate embodiment having prongs to contact the closing mechanism.

With reference to FIGS. 1-5, the operation of the system 100 will now be explained. The present invention enables a user to access a filter attached to the grill 10. The grill typically is in the closed position shown in FIG. 1. As discussed above, the gnu is not accessible by a user located on the ground or a level below the grill. The user may use the extension tool 30 to open the grill. The user contacts the interface end 32 against the closing mechanism 22. As depicted in FIG. 1, the interface end is a screw driver end which twists a slot 24 located on the closing mechanism 22. The grill is then opened to an open position shown in FIG. 2. The hinges 16 may be used to allow the grill to be opened, yet still remained attached to the ceiling 12. The extension tool may then be used to pull the filter 50 and tray 56 downward (see FIG. 3). The user may then replace the filter 50 with a new filter 50 by removing the filter from the tray. The user then slides the tray and newly installed filter upwardly using the extension tool 30 (see FIG. 4). The user then uses the extension tool to close and lock the grill as shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating the steps of replacing the filter 50 according to the teachings of the present invention. With reference to FIGS. 1-6, the method will now be explained. When desired to replace the filter 50 of the grill 10, the method begins with step 100 where the user contacts the closing mechanism 22 with the extension tool 30. The user then opens the grill 10 using the extension tool 30 in step 102. As depicted in FIG. 1, the interface end is a screw driver end which twists a slot 24 located on the closing mechanism 22. Thus, the grill is then opened to an open position as shown in FIG. 2. The hinges 16 may be used to allow the grill to be opened, yet still remained attached to the ceiling 12 on one end. Next, in step 104, the extension tool may then be used to pull the filter 50 and tray 56 downward (see FIG. 3). In step 106, the user then replaces the filter 50 with a new filter 50 by removing the filter from the tray and positioning another filter within the tray. Next, in step 108, the user slides the tray and newly installed filter upwardly using the extension tool 30 (see FIG. 4). The user may then use the extension tool to close and lock the grill in step 110.

The present invention may be in any configuration which enables the user to access a grill located out of reach. The present invention may use any mechanism to access the grill, such as an extension tool capable of reaching the grill. Furthermore, any mechanism which enables the filter to be acquired and replaced from a distance may be used. Although an extendable tray is illustrated, any mechanism which extends the filter to the user may be used, such as cords. Additionally, the present invention may be used to replace any type of filter for any type of vent used in an HVAC system. Moreover, although a removable tray is described, the present invention may utilize a device which enables a person to access the filter within the return air vent while being located on the ground below the vent.

The present invention provides many advantages for conventional return vents. The present invention enables a user to easily replace filters without the use of ladders. The user enjoys the benefit of staying on the ground without the necessity of standing in precarious locations. Thus, the present invention provides a safe manner for replacing hard to reach filters.

While the present invention is described herein with reference to illustrative embodiments for particular applications, it should be understood that the invention is not limited thereto. Those having ordinary skill in the art and access to the teachings provided herein will recognize additional modifications, applications, and embodiments within the scope thereof and additional fields in which the present invention would be of significant utility.

Thus, the present invention has been described herein with reference to a particular embodiment for a particular application. Those having ordinary skill in the art and access to the present teachings will recognize additional modifications, applications and embodiments within the scope thereof.

It is therefore intended by the appended claims to cover any and all such applications, modifications and embodiments within the scope of the present invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for replacing a filter of a return air vent, the system comprising: a return air vent grill affixed to a surface, wherein the grill is hinged on a first side to the surface allowing the grill to swing to an open position while still attached to the surface; a closing mechanism for attaching the grill to a second end opposite the first end of the grill; a filter detachably affixed to a tray located on an inner surface of the grill; an extension tool having a length sufficient to contact the closing mechanism by a user located below the return air vent grill, wherein the extension tool includes means for opening and closing the closing mechanism; and an extension mechanism for extending the filter and tray out cm the grill; wherein the user replaces the filter by pulling the tray and filter down, replacing the filter, sliding the filter and tray back to the grill and closing the closing mechanism.
 2. The system according to claim 1 wherein the extension mechanism is an extendible track which enables the filter and tray to be slid down to the user and wherein the user pulls the tray and filter down the extended track to access the filter below the grill.
 3. The system according to claim 2 wherein the extendible track is a plurality of extendible tracks.
 4. The system according to claim 3 wherein the extendible tracks are telescopically extendible tracks.
 5. The system according to claim 1 wherein the closing mechanism includes a rotatable bolt having a slot.
 6. The system according to claim 5 wherein the extension tool includes an interface end for turning the closing mechanism.
 7. The system according to claim 6 wherein the interface end includes means for contacting the filter and enable a user to pull the filter and tray away from the grill.
 8. The system according to claim 1 wherein the extension tool includes a telescopic elongated portion for extending a length of the extension tool.
 9. A method of replacing a filter of a return air vent, the method comprising the steps of: opening a return air vent grill affixed to a surface with an extension tool; pulling, by the extension tool, the filter detachably affixed to a tray located on an inner surface of the grill toward a user; replacing the filter within the tray; pushing, by the extension tool, the filter and tray back into the inner surface of the grill; and closing the return air vent grill with the extension tool.
 10. The method according to claim 9 wherein the return air vent grill is hinged on a first side to the surface allowing the grill to swing to an open position while still attached to the surface.
 11. The method according to claim 9 wherein the step of opening a return air vent grill includes contacting a closing mechanism attached to the air vent grill to open the return air vent grill.
 12. The method according to claim 11 wherein the closing mechanism includes a rotatable bolt having a slot.
 13. The method according to claim 12 wherein the step of opening a return air vent grill includes rotating the bolt with the extension tool.
 14. The method according to claim 9 wherein the return air vent grill includes an extension mechanism for extending the filter and tray out from the grill.
 15. The method according to claim 14 wherein the extension mechanism is an extendible track which enables the filter and tray to be slid down to the user and wherein the user pulls the tray and filter down the extended track to access the filter below the grill.
 16. A system for replacing an air return vent filter, the system comprising: a return air vent; a filter attached to the return air vent; and means for retrieving and replacing the filter in the return air vent by a user located on a ground level below the return air vent.
 17. The system according to claim 16 wherein the means for retrieving and replacing the filter includes a mechanism for extending a reach of the user to retrieve the filter from the return air vent.
 18. The system according to claim 16 wherein means for retrieving and replacing the filter includes a mechanism to extend the filter toward the user located on the ground level.
 19. The system according to claim 17 wherein: a closing mechanism for opening and closing the grill; and the filter is detachably affixed within the return air vent. 